Collection of Ten Geniza fragments.

(CAIRO GENIZA).

c.10th-c.12th centuries

Various scripts among them Old Hebrew (Samaritan), Egyptian and Oriental square on a variety of topics including prayers, psalms and rabbinical laws. Black and brown inks on vellum and paper.

The Cairo Geniza comprises thousands of items found in the attic of the Ezra synagogue. The synagogue was originally built in 882 and great scholars throughout the ages, including Maimonides, have taught and attended there. Many Genizah fragments were bought by Elkan Adler, R.S.A Wercheimer and others. Solomon Schechter extracted about 100,000 leaves which were deposited in Cambridge University. Other fragments are scattered throughout the world in major libraries. Regarding the fragments in Cambridge, see N. Allony, Geniza Fragments of Hebrew Manuscripts in Cambridge Libraries, Areshet Vol.III, pp.395-425. At present there is a coordinated effort organized by D. Friedberg and a cadre of scholars to classify and organize all Geniza fragments for the use of scholars world wide. Collections of Geniza fragmenst have not appeared at auctions for a long time. Among the fragments is a complete Hebrew manuscript of Psalms, Chapter 8, in Egyptian square script. Black ink on paper, One page with text on verso and recto. (Egypt, c.10th century)